Author: Wendy Kennar

At the end of the day, there were always hugs for anyone who wanted them. There were also high-fives, air kisses, and winks. Dear Fourth-Grade Students and Families, I’m writing to tell you that I miss you. That I think we could have shared something special. That maybe no one else would have cared for […]

This is what happens when kids grow up. Innocent actions are suddenly seen as inappropriate, disrespectful, and a form of harassment. Earlier this school year, my eight-year-old son did something “inappropriate” at school. During lunch, he lifted his shirt and showed his stomach to the boy sitting next to him. A female classmate sitting across […]

My son casually commented that my skin was “peach-color” and daddy’s skin was “brown.” I looked at him in the rearview mirror and asked, “What color is your skin?” Mrs. E., my high school’s college counselor, called me “Little White Wendy.” I was a regular visitor to her office, searching for scholarship opportunities that would […]

Sometimes the present moment is uncomfortable, or unpleasant, or uninteresting. And I just need to get through it, without focusing all of my attention on it. Before “mindfulness” became a popular catch phrase, I understood the act of being mindful as paying attention, showing consideration toward others, and demonstrating thoughtfulness. With my definition as a […]

Kids are different. Times have changed. This we know. But does “smarter” necessarily mean “better”? Does access to more information correspond with greater levels of compassion, understanding, and kindness? I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that my second-grade son is smarter than I was at his age. Admittedly, I’m basing that declaration on […]

I’m afraid others will judge me, but more than that, I don’t want to admit to myself that I’m disabled. “Have you gotten a placard yet?” Janet asked. I shook my head. Janet leaned across the table and slammed her hand down. “Wendy, you’re making me angry. You need to get one.” Janet isn’t the […]

Prejudices are learned, and this is how it starts. In June, my son completed the first-grade. And during the course of our summer together, I’m realizing that he learned much more than how to identify the different types of clouds and how to distinguish between different parts of speech. Sending my son off to school, […]

I was speechless. How to explain to this stranger my reasons for making my son an only child? And did I even need to explain my reasons to this virtual stranger? “How old is your son?” “He’s 5.” “When are you having another?” “We’re not.” “Why not?” “We’re blessed with Ryan.” “No. He needs to […]

I’d rather have real, meaningful conversations. The truth is, as a white woman I’m not usually part of the minority group. Except in one instance: I am not on Facebook, with no plans to change my status. To understand my anti-Facebook stance, there are certain things you should know about me. I am not a […]